Business owners demand right to reclaim possessions prior to post-quake demolition.
Angry Christchurch business owners yesterday marched on the Civil Defence base and demanded a senior Government minister speak to them. The protest comes in a week when a senior New Zealand contractor described the post-quake demolition process as “a train wreck”.
The protesters were led by photographer Kurt Langer, who said the group were afraid their buildings would be demolished before they were allowed back in to salvage anything.
“We want to tell the people in that art gallery what they’re doing to our city.” Civil Defence headquarters is based at Christchurch Art Gallery. Mr Langer led a group of about 30 there.
When they saw Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee through the windows, they held their placards to the glass and asked him to come out.
Mr Langer has a studio in Cashel Mall that was damaged in the February 22 earthquake. He is furious he may not be allowed back in before it is possibly demolished in coming days.
“I reckon there could be $500,000 in there – artworks, sculptures, negatives and slides.”
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